Struggling

[Queenie1970]

Hi, I'm 46 and heading towards diabetes. But, in all fairness I have struggled for years with my weight. I have an insatiable sweet tooth and eat inappropriately. I was bulimic as a teen and never corrected my bad habits in the starve/pig out cycle. So now it just sits on my hips. With chronic pain and fatigue I move so little comfort food is my go to. I need to drop a minimum of 5 stone. Wish me luck. Xx

[moreless Administrator 7 stone]

Hi and welcome, Queenie

I used to have a terrible sweet tooth and came to the conclusion that I was a sugar addict! I have no off switch, so have cut sugar from my diet, completely! It was hard for a while, but then the cravings subsided and now don't bother me at all, unless I foolishly eat something sugary again!

Take a look at the Pinned posts section to the right of your screen (bottom if you're using a mobile), or in the drop down on the 'Posts' page (it says 'arrange by'). Read the Welcome Newbie thread, then move through to the challenges, where we hope you'll find at least one that will appeal to you.

Move down to the Topics, to find a variety of threads, collated into specific topics for ease of access and we ask that you also 'file' your own threads, so that others won't miss your important news.

Take a look at the NHS 12 week plan, as a lot of people have been successful with it, making sure to enter your details into the BMI calculator, to get a calorie allowance tailored to your personal requirements. Don't forget to take your starting measurements and a 'before' picture, as they can be very motivating on days that the scales refuse to co-operate.

We run a weigh-in every day of the week and you'd be very welcome to join one of them. The threads can always be found in the Events section, to the right of the HOME page, bottom on a mobile.

We also run a Daily Diary, where we share our meal and exercise plans for the day. It's a great place to get ideas and to keep us focused. The link can also be found in Events.

Be aware, that the HU app doesn't give you access to all of our important features, so we advise that you use the full website page.

We've found that to get the best out of this community, we need to be active on the forum, as it's where we exchange information, get motivation and inspiration and make friends. We hope that you'll join us here, regularly, too.

It's only left for me to wish you well on your journey

[Queenie1970 in reply to moreless]

Thank you for all the great tips! I really do have to crack the sugar addiction, but also my calorie count is off the charts for my lesser mobility. I'm learning to navigate the site and I'm looking forward to sharing my peaks and troughs. I know this will be a long, slow journey and I'm grateful for any inspiration, and encouragment along the way. X

[moreless Administrator 7 stone in reply to Queenie1970]

I really advise logging onto the Daily Diary, it's such a big help!

[Grannybwell in reply to Queenie1970]

Hang in there. I can only empathise as my weight gain is part how I deal with my feelings and mental health....... Eat & drink them into submission and I also have reduced mobility.. Used to run to give balance to the excess calories but that's not possible anymore. That is why I decided to join the forum.. For some support and to support when the going is tough. Each day is new. You can do it. Just don't pressure yourself and you'll find your way forward.

[zebra78]

Hi there. I'm new too so am no expert! I also struggle with mobility so know how difficult that can be. I'm wanting to lose 3 1/2 stone and have struggled to control my weight unless I exercise so I will also probably be in it for the long haul!

Have you used the NHS bmi calculator? It gives you a guide of how many calories you need to be eating in order to lose weight. As I said I'm only just starting but what I've found is (and this may not work for you) if I plan my meals for the day thend I know how many calories in have left and can swap and change things to suit if that makes sense. So today I have steak for dinner (hubby's favorite and have been promising him steak for ages!!) so I know that for lunch I need a lower calorie lunch so am planning to have chicken and vegetable soup I made earlier in the week as it's pretty low in calories but still filling.

Also, I have a sweet tooth and probably should cut out sugar completely! For now though I try to save some calorie allowance for the evening so I know that I can have a bit of chocolate or a couple of biscuits if I want them. If I have cravings during the day then I know that if I give in I will have to forfeit my evening treat so I usually distract myself until the craving passes knowing that I will enjoy it more with a cup of tea later on! When I do have something sweet, I measure it out and only take the amount out that I can have that day. So if I have enough calories left for two biscuits I only take two from the cupboard and make myself eat then slowly, really savouring the taste!! All too often when we eat we barely taste it and then crave more so by eating it slowly and appreciating that we have cut down else where to be able to enjoy this treat, we can enjoy it more and it is more likely to satisfy our craving with a smaller amount if that makes sense.

Anyway I'll stop waffling now!!! Hope you have a good day today.

[ellj]

Wishing you lots of luck Queenie1970 I am sure there is a " right time " for us when it comes to weight matters.

Ell